How Long Does A Furnace Really Last?

If well taken care of, two things in your house can last up to 15 years: your furnace and a pet turtle. Well, technically, pet turtles can live as long as 30 years, while other species can live up to 100 years, but we digress. When it comes to your furnace, we recommend trading in the old for the new anywhere between 15-20 years.

To get the most out of your furnace, and ensure its longevity and efficiency, we’ve rounded up a few things every Admore, PA homeowner should do:

• Regular maintenance – The key to a long lifespan is routine furnace maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures your system is running efficiently and gets ahead of breakdowns and repairs. Just like taking your car for an oil change, regular service will make sure your system runs well and lasts its full lifespan. 
  
  
• Change your filter – Changing your filter every three months is one of the easiest ways to take care of your furnace. A clogged filter can restrict airflow or, even worse, cause the furnace to overheat, which in turn causes it to shut down.
  
  
• Check the vents and ductwork. Properly sealed vents and ductwork efficiently channel and deliver the air where it’s supposed to go. But any leaks or tears in the ductwork will cause air to escape, leading to inefficient airflow and stress on your system. Always check that things look tightly sealed, or call in a pro to check it out.

• Know your energy source. It’s important to know if your furnace is fueled by oil, gas, or electricity. For instance, if you have an oil furnace, you’ll need to refill and store your oil tank — and clean up any oil buildup in or around the filter. 

Schedule Your Service: All furnaces require a little TLC over time. It’s a good idea to schedule an annual tune up with a professional to ensure yours is functioning correctly and to repair any issues caused by normal wear and tear. For the most trusted, reliable furnace service and repair in Ardmore, PA, give John Cipollone, Inc. a call at (610) 446-7877, or click here to contact us online.

Read more: Four reasons to replace a working furnace

Buy the right size. Just like Goldilocks learned years and years ago, when something is too big or too small, you’re likely to run into a family of bears — er, problems. The same goes for your furnace. Here’s what you need to know:

• This furnace is too small. If your furnace is too small, it will work overtime to heat the entire house, and possibly burn out before its time in the process. A furnace that is running continuously will also lead to astronomically high energy bills. Bad for the environment, brutal for your wallet.
• This furnace is too big. If the furnace is too big, it will constantly turn off and on trying to heat the house correctly, potentially leading to internal damage due to excess cycling. It will also leave spots in the home too cold or too hot. Bigger isn’t always better. 
• This furnace is just right. When it comes to picking the right size furnace, it’s always a good idea to let one of the professionals evaluate your home. We will carefully consider your home’s square footage, construction, and any other characteristics of your house and land to determine the ideal furnace or mini split for you.

Read more: What is the cost of a furnace? 

When it’s time to replace your furnace.

If your furnace has stopped working properly, the safest and most cost-efficient step is to replace it. But how do you know if it just needs a small talking to (otherwise known as a repair) or if it’s time to say goodbye for good? Consider the following:

• Frequent issues. If your furnace is continually breaking down, lacking airflow or regularly fluctuating in temperature, rather than paying for constant repairs, it could be time for a new system. 

• Hefty bills. If your gas or electric bill has suddenly skyrocketed, it can mean your furnace is no longer working efficiently and needs to be replaced.
• Weird noises. If you start hearing strange sounds, it could be your furnace telling you something isn’t working right. That, or you have a family of very chatty raccoons living in your basement. Either way, it’s time to call in the pros.

Trusted leaders in Furnace Repair and Installation In Ardmore, PA

John Cipollone, Inc. has been the trusted name for HVAC service and replacement in Ardmore, PA and across the Main Line since 1953. We provide expert, reliable service and specialize in repairing and installing mini splits and other high-efficiency installations, as well as conventional furnaces.

Thanks to our decades of experience on the Main Line, we know exactly what homes in Ardmore need. Whether it’s making sure your new heating system is correctly sized for your home or finding the best model for your needs, we do it all. Click here or call John Cipollone for a free consultation at (610) 446-7877.